How and when to properly transplant an apple tree to another location in the fall

Mature apple trees, when properly cared for, usually produce a bountiful harvest. However, sometimes they need to be relocated. If done incorrectly, replanting an apple tree can not only damage it, but also kill it. Fruit trees over 16 years old have difficulty adapting to a new site. To increase their chances, replanting should be done at the optimal time and in compliance with all the necessary procedures.

Purposes of autumn transplantation

Fruit trees are usually moved in the fall, when the plant begins its dormant period. This is when the sap flow stops. Fall is the best time to relocate apple trees. At this time, the plant is least susceptible to stress.

Typical reasons for replanting an apple tree to a new location are:

• planting a seedling in an inappropriate place;
• too deep placement of the root collar;
• abundant growth of branches and lack of space for an apple tree in the garden;
• preparing seedlings for sale;
• the presence of signs of disease in a plant.

Optimal time for transplantation

To ensure a fruit tree survives its transition to a new location, it's important to choose the optimal time. It's best to transplant an apple tree in the fall or spring, when the sap flow is slow. This allows the plant to successfully establish itself after the move, adapt, and begin to grow.

It's not advisable to transplant a mature apple tree in the spring. For such plants, autumn replanting is preferable, when the growing season ends and sap flow slows. The optimal timing is determined based on the regional climate:

• in the Moscow region and other regions of the Central Belt, apple trees are transplanted during September or in early October;
• in the Leningrad region, work begins in the first half of September;
• in Siberia and the Urals, autumn transplantation of adult plants is impossible;
• In the south of Russia, apple trees are moved in October or early November.

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Young apple trees can be replanted in either fall or spring. The latter option is preferable, as the root system of these trees is small and mechanical damage is rare. Once moved to a new location, the tree quickly adapts and soon begins to grow. Mature plants are replanted in spring in special cases, such as during an excessively dry fall or early frosts. With moderate humidity, the plant adapts quickly and is disease-free.

Transfer rules

To ensure that your apple tree is less susceptible to disease and more quickly establishes itself in its new location after being replanted in the fall, several guidelines should be followed during the process. Beginner gardeners are advised to follow the video instructions to avoid making mistakes.

Young apple trees

Plants can be replanted in the fall at 2-3 years of age. The roots of such plants are well developed and can withstand the process successfully. However, the root system has not yet grown so extensive that the gardener cannot perform the task alone. how to transplant an apple tree correctly To move the tree to another location, use transshipment. The site is selected so that it meets the growing conditions for the fruit tree. A well-lit location, protected from cold winds, is best for apple trees. Preferably, it should be elevated.

If during the transplantation period leaves remain on the tree, perform crown pruningThis saves the plant's energy and promotes its recovery and root regeneration. The transplant hole is dug 30 days before the scheduled date. Its diameter should be 2 m and its depth 50 cm. A drainage layer is placed at the bottom and topped with fertile soil mixed with humus.

As a top dressing For young three-year-old seedlings, use rotted manure, wood shavings, compost, and wood ash. Mix all ingredients with garden soil and add them to the planting hole. Instead of organic matter, you can use mineral fertilizers such as potassium sulfate, urea, or ammonium nitrate. If the soil in your area contains too much peat, add dolomite flour or lime to neutralize excess acidity.

Procedure for performing work:

1. The tree is carefully removed, taking care not to damage the roots. To do this, dig a trench around the trunk so that its diameter matches the contours of the crown.
2. The plant is removed along with a lump of soil, wrapped in cloth or film and transferred to the dug hole.
3. The tree is placed in the hole, with the root collar level with the soil surface. Any empty spaces are filled with soil.
4. The seedling is watered and the trunk circle is covered with straw.

Transplanting an old apple tree

Transplanting mature, fruit-bearing trees in the fall is difficult due to their extensive roots. Large trees with spreading crowns can have roots extending 10 to 15 meters across. While difficult to dig up, such a plant is less susceptible to injury. The tree is moved by transshipment, digging it out along with a 1-meter-diameter root ball. This requires pruning any roots that extend beyond the root ball. Lateral branches are tied to the trunk to prevent them from breaking during transport. Transplanting a mature apple tree in the fall follows the same principles as transplanting a young one.

Before replanting a five-year-old apple tree or an older fruit tree, partial branch pruning is performed. This procedure prevents the plant's shoots from drying out and reducing fruit production. This also improves the plant's tolerance to cold climates and strengthens its immune system.

Pruning of the plant is carried out in accordance with the age of the tree:

• to transplant apple tree seedlings up to 5 years old in the fall, the shoots are cut to 1/4 of their length;
• in adult plants, branches are shortened by a third;
• Half of the crown of old fruit trees is cut off.

Transplanting columnar apple trees

In the fall, these plants are replanted in the same manner as regular varieties. Columnar apple trees have a short fruiting period. At five years of age, they are considered old, so they must be replaced with young seedlings. These trees have a small crown, so they are planted 50 cm apart. Holes are made 50 cm in diameter and the same depth. The plants are positioned so that the grafting point faces south. The root collar is placed 5 cm above soil level.

Transplanting dwarf varieties

Small trees are transplanted to a new site in September using the same procedure as for standard varieties. The planting hole is dug 50 cm deep and 70 cm in diameter. Dwarf apple trees have roots near the surface. Therefore, after planting and watering, the area around the trunk is mulched. However, the depth of the groundwater table is not important for these apple trees.

Transplanting wild plants

Wild apple trees are grown for use as rootstocks. Some of these trees are very beautiful, making them popular as garden ornamentals. These trees are undemanding in terms of growing conditions and thrive in any climate. They can be transplanted in the spring and fall. Even in the harsh Siberian climate, wild apple trees can be transplanted in late fall, thanks to their high frost resistance.

Aftercare

After transplanting, fruit trees, especially older ones, require increased attention and care. This will help the plants establish themselves more quickly in their new location. Here are some guidelines for caring for transplanted apple trees:

• frequent watering;
• refusal to dig up the soil in the year of planting;
• covering the tree trunk circle with peat or humus;
• insulating the trunk for the winter with pine branches or agrofibre;
• spring pruning of a tree to stimulate development;
• removing flower buds in the first season after transplanting.

The apple tree's adaptation period largely depends on the condition of its root system. If the central root is healthy, the branching roots recover more quickly. Therefore, after digging, the cut surfaces are dusted with crushed charcoal or sealed with garden pitch.

Transplantation features depending on the region

In many towns in the Moscow region, groundwater levels are close to the surface. This should be taken into account when replanting fruit trees. If the groundwater level is deep, any site is suitable for planting an apple tree. If the groundwater level is higher than 1.5 meters, choose a site on higher ground or create a mound before planting.

The northwestern part of Russia, in the Leningrad region, has a humid climate. Under these conditions, the root system recovers quickly. The deep soil here is cold and nutrient-poor. Therefore, apple tree roots grow primarily outward. In Siberia, it is not advisable to plant seedlings in the fall. If necessary, they can be dug in until spring, and then transplanted to the desired location after the soil thaws in the spring.

Autumn is the most favorable time for replanting apple trees of any age. When done correctly and within the optimal timeframe, the tree grows healthy, recovers quickly, and produces a bountiful harvest.